## One Piece Chapter 288, pages 9-10: Curse - Chapter: 288 - Pages: 9-10 - Characters: Noland's crew, Mousse ### Summary Page 9: Noland's crew has been locked inside a large wooden cage in the village. They shiver in the cold rain. "We'll catch a cold out here for god's sake..." "Please!" "Heeeyyy! Give us some change of clothes!" "ACCHOO!" Inside the cage, the men discuss their dire situation. "It's not a matter of believing in the admiral. If the Kona tree isn't on this island, then we're all-" "Then believe that the tree exists on this island...!" "Don't be like that. Believe in our admiral." "We're all gonna die tomorrow night." "Ughh, what a turn of events..." They then notice Mousse, who is also locked in the cage with them. One of the men scolds the others, "Quiet! She was gonna be killed just a moment ago. Have some more tact, you idiots..." Another agrees, "Am I right, guys?" They look at Mousse sympathetically. "If she were born back in our kingdom, she might've been able to marry a noble with her looks." "It's a shame you were born here on this sheltered island." "Hey, girl! Your fate is also damn pitiful." Mousse sits silently, listening to them. Page 10: One of the crew members explains Noland's background to Mousse. "He's a pretty famous explorer back in our kingdom, But he's also a botanist." Mousse asks, "That man? Who was that man...?" The crew member elaborates, "There've been quite a lot of botanist-explorers who've achieved great things. Their work is quite important for a country's advancement. To discover and research new species of plants. He explores unknown lands in this world," He continues, "He just can't stand by and allow things like that ritual of yours to continue..." Another crew member chimes in, "But he's too nice for his own good..." Mousse listens intently. The crew tries to stay positive, laughing. "Not a chance! Now shut up and sleep!" "But what if!? What if!?" "I'm sure he'll manage somehow." "Well, when push comes to shove, I'm starvin'..." "He is trustworthy, though."